In life, there are winners and there are losers, and we may find ourselves in one category or the other at various times throughout our lives. After all, even all-star teams and athletes have their off days.
The beauty of winning and losing, though, is that both present opportunities for learning and growth. When we lose, we’re given the chance to recognize and address our own vulnerabilities. And when we win, we can pull from our own experiences to feel empathy for the opposing side, because we know how crushing that loss can be.
Whether we find ourselves in a high-stakes athletic event or a friendly family competition, it pays to be gracious when we win, to refrain from the temptation to gloat or rub salt in our opponents’ wounds. We can go one step further by thanking our opponents for challenging us and investing so much time and energy into the spirited contest.
Winning graciously also entails giving credit to those who’ve made it possible for us to win. What goes around truly does come around, and the hope is that when we find ourselves in a bad spot, others will offer their grace and encouragement to us, too. Below, we’ve rounded up nine quotes about the importance of winning well.
Everything’s not about results and numbers … At the end of the day, the impact that I leave on another person is probably going to be bigger than any trophy that I win.Coco Gauff
Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time.Wilma Rudolph
We play a sport. It's a game. At the end of the day, that's all it is, is a game. It doesn't make you any better or any worse than anybody else. So by winning a game, you're no better. By losing a game, you're no worse. I think by keeping that mentality, it really keeps things in perspective for me to treat everybody the same.Tim Tebow
There are always new, grander challenges to confront, and a true winner will embrace each one.Mia Hamm
I never set out to be the best player in history. I think I'm just another footballer. On the pitch we are all the same, and when the game starts I always try to improve myself. My intention is that when I retire, I will be remembered for being a good person.Lionel Messi
If you can react the same way to winning and losing, that's a big accomplishment. That quality is important because it stays with you the rest of your life.Chris Evert
Humility forms the basis of honor, just as the low ground forms the foundation of a high elevation.Bruce Lee
One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.Knute Rockne
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